“They said I should be able to start throwing four months after the surgery and that’s Feb. 22, and I haven’t had any setbacks,” Harvey told the New York Post.“I can’t wait. Even if it’s 10 feet, I just want to pick up a ball. As if right now, I don’t see why I wouldn’t be able to do that.”

Every step forward is a major milestone for Harvey, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October. He considered forgoing the operation in favor of allowing his injured elbow to heal itself.

While the Mets sank farther and farther from even the idea of postseason contention last season, fans came out in droves to celebrate their second-year All-Star. The days Harvey pitched were dubbed "Harvey Day," and they were always a show: no-hitters were consistently believed to be obtainable.

Harvey is expected to report with the Mets' other pitchers and catchers for spring training on Feb. 15. He has been vocal about making a return to the mound in 2014, but realizes it isn't wise to rush back. He has said, though, that he is ahead of schedule, and with recovery time typically 12 months, a September return is realistic.

“If I get to throw a couple of innings in August or September and then have a normal offseason without having to go into next year with all those questions still out there, that would help me significantly,” Harvey told the Post. “I’d love to face hitters to build my confidence up back up and not just jump into a new season having not seen anyone.”

Harvey started the 2013 All-Star Game for the National League in his home park thanks to a blistering first half. Overall, he was 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA and 191 strikeouts in 178 1/3 innings before being shut down in August. He was among the league leaders in many categories, including third in ERA, second in WHIP and third in strikeouts per nine innings.